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Player ratings: Rookie blues

Sat, 17 Aug 2013 13:42

The Wallabies looked every bit the inexperienced side that they are in their 29-47 loss to the All Blacks in Sydney on Saturday.

With five uncapped players in the matchday 23, the Wallabies were always going to struggle to match the All Blacks for 80 minutes.

And that’s exactly what happened as the visitors pulled away after 50 minutes and gave the hosts a proper humbling.

Quintin van Jaarsveld rates the Wallaby players.

15 Jesse Mogg
After a shaky showing in the Super Rugby Final he proved his temperament and kicked well out of hand.6/10

14 Israel Folau
The Folau factor was taken out of the game by the All Blacks and as a Rugby Union rookie, the league star failed to go in search of work. 5/10

13 Adam Ashley-Cooper
Far and away the Wallabies’ greatest attacking threat on the day. He made some excellent line breaks and weaved past several defenders. 7/10

12 Christian Lealiifano
Kept the Wallabies in the game for 50 minutes with his unerring boot. 7/10

11 James O'Connor
Dangerous with ball in hand but his poor defence on the wing was exploited by the All Blacks.5/10

10 Matt Toomua
His pinpoint distribution was the highlight of his Test debut. Didn’t look out of depth but his inexperience showed in the minor impact he had on proceedings.6.5/10

9 Will Genia
Scored a good try but wasn’t at his best. Got outplayed by his opposite number on the day and blown up twice - the second a penalty - for skew scrum feeds. 6.5/10

8 Ben Mowen
Contributed in the line-out but largely anonymous in general play. 5/10

7 Michael Hooper
Worth his weight in gold as he won the breakdown battle against the returning Richie McCaw. Swooped on a wayward line-out ball and linked up with Will Genia to create the Wallabies’ first try. 8/10

6 Hugh McMeniman
Struggled to keep up with the frenetic pace of the game in his Test return.5.5/10

5 James Horwill (captain)
A committed workhorse who tried gallantly to inspire his troops.7/10

4 Rob Simmons
A shining light in the tight five and a pillar of strength in the line-out, securing his ball and stealing two on the All Blacks’ throw. Faultless on defence and his team’s most industrious ball carrier with 13 hit ups.8/10

3 Ben Alexander
Solid at scrum time and popped up everywhere on defence.6.5/10

2 Stephen Moore
His early knock-on immediately put the Wallabies on the back foot but his line-out throwing was faultless.6.5/10

1 James Slipper
Impressive workrate, made some solid ball carries and outmuscled Owen Franks to win a scrum penalty.7/10

Replacements:

16 Saia Faingaa (on for Moore, 70th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.

17 Scott Sio(on for Slipper, 70th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.